Intro to the Flip

Intro the Flip Video Camera in the Classroom

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What is Podcasting?

A podcast is a series of audio or video digital-media files which is distributed over the Internet by syndicated download, through Web feeds, to portable media players and personal computers. Though the same content may also be made available by direct download or streaming, a podcast is distinguished from other digital-media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically when new content is added.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast

Podcasting in Plain English

Sample Podcasts

• Audio: Radio Popcorn http://epnweb.org/index.php?request_id=748&openpod=16#anchor16
• Audio: Owl Bytes http://epnweb.org/index.php?request_id=318&openpod=17#anchor17
• Video: Nova Video Podcast http://epnweb.org/index.php?request_id=2023&openpod=17#anchor17

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Why Use Podcasting With Students?

1. Simple to produce
2. Immediate
3. Reusable
4. Engaging

"Knowledge creation and discourse that leads to the generation of innovative ideas by
students at all levels has become the keystone of successful learning and pedagogy, and
is a measure of engagement and self-regulation" (Lee, 2008)

Ways To Use Video Podcasting With Students

• Project-based learning
• Video book reports
• Speeches
• Drama
• Digital Storytelling
• Interviews around campus
• Surveys
• Fluency testing

References

Brooks-Kirkland, A. (2006, June). Podcasting for Learning. School Libraries in Canada (17108535), 25(4),
44-48. Retrieved May 25, 2009, from Professional Development Collection database.

Brown, A., & Green, T. (2007, September). Video Podcasting in Perspective: The History, Technology,
Aesthetics, and Instructional Uses of a New Medium. Journal of Educational Technology Systems,
36(1), 3-17. Retrieved May 25, 2009, from Professional Development Collection database.

Lee, M., McLoughlin, C., & Chan, A. (2008, May). Talk the talk: Learner-generated podcasts as
catalysts for knowledge creation. British Journal of Educational Technology, 39(3), 501-521.
Retrieved May 25, 2009, from Professional Development Collection database.

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Creating Podcasts

Preparation is key if you want your podcast to remain relevant for some time.

Pre-Planning Stage

• Write a script. This will help make sure you (and your students) know what the podcast will be about.
• Storyboard Your podcast
  • Step-by-step helps make the process much more smooth
    • http://www.schoolhousevideo.org/Pages/Storyboard.pdf
    • Storyboard generator: http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/storyboard/
    • http://www.everythingesl.net/downloads/storyboard.pdf
• Shot List
  Create a checklist of shots that need to be taken so that you (or your students) don't forget to take any.
• Find a quiet location. (OK--I realize that this doesn't exactly work with kids in a classroom, but do your best)
• Walk through the steps of your podcast at least one time so you'll feel more prepared.

Recording Stage

• If you can get it in one take--awesome! If not, don't worry because it does get easier with practice.
• Be sure to review your podcast at least once to make sure you got the recording you wanted.

Post-Production Stage

• Extract the video files to your computer
• Edit the videos (if necessary)
  • On PC, Windows MovieMaker is free and installed on most computers.
• Convert the files.
  This will be necessary for uploading your video to a podcasting site. The Flip camera records to the .AVIfile format which need conversion so that iTunes can read the file. NOTE: This is not necessary if you just want to upload videos to YouTube, SchoolTube, etc.
  • Convert your saved .AVI format videos to MPG4 or MOVformat for uploading to a podcast site
    • Format Factory: http://www.formatoz.com/
      Freeware (Download and install)
    • Zamzar: http://www.zamzar.com
      Web-based (Upload and receive a converted file back by email)
    • Media Converter http://www.mediaconverter.org
      Web-based
  • Alternately, the AVI format can be uploaded to many video-sharing sites with no conversion as long as the video is short (no more than 6-8 minutes long)
    Examples: YouTube, TeacherTube, Vimeo, Flickr (Up to 90 seconds with a Pro account).
• Share: Upload the files to a podcasting or video sharing site.
  Videopodcasting sites such as Switchpod, Screencast, Libsyn can then notify iTunes that you have a new podcast
  • Set up an iTunes Feed http://www.apple.com/itunes/whatson/podcasts/creatorfaq.html

Podcasting Resources

• Education Podcast Network http://epnweb.org/

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Overview of the Flip Video Camera

http://www.theflip.com/products_flip_ultra.shtml



Saving Files to Your Computer

1. Plug your Flip cam into a USB port
2. Allow the software to download onto your PC.
3. Select the videos you want to save, then choose "Save to Computer"
   

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Windows Movie Maker

Editing can be accomplished in many ways. If you are on a PC, then you can use Windows MovieMaker which is free and already installed on most PCs.


http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/default.mspx

Windows Movie Maker is video creating/editing software bundled with the Microsoft Windows operating system since Windows Me. It contains features such as effects, transitions, titles/credits, audio track, timeline narration, and Auto Movie. New effects and transitions can be made and existing ones can be modified using XML code.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Movie_Maker

MovieMaker Screencasts

MovieMaker Resources

• Movie Maker in Ed (Compiled by Mark Wagner) www.moviemakerined.wikispaces.com
• http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/nisa/moviemaker.htm
• http://www.mightycoach.com/articles/mm2/index.html
• www.ctap2.org/documents/Windows_MovieMaker_ResourcesWEB.pdf
• http://www.saskschools.ca/resources/techref/moviemaker/movie.html